The city of Marana extends along Interstate 10 from the border between Pinal and Pima County to the Tucson city line. While the city has a more rural character than Tucson, it has been extensively developed. Many of the Tucson area's big box stores are located in or near Marana, and notable clusters of hotels and restaurants have been built along I-10. The Tucson Mountains and the western half of Saguaro National Park are located to the west.

Marana is the fastest growing town in Arizona, and is quickly becoming the place to live, work, play and learn in southern Arizona. Some people move to Marana for its close proximity to Tucson and the amenities a big city has to offer; however, others choose to locate here because of the small-town lifestyle and the many treasures found within Marana. It has grown from its early roots as a center for farming and ranching to a modern town with nearly 115 square miles of preserved desert, residential developments, commercial districts and recreational opportunities. With nearly 115 square miles and only 16,000 residents, there is a lot of room for Marana to grow!

Marana has its own airport with one 4,200-foot lighted and paved runway and one 3,000-foot unlighted paved runway. In 1961, the Arizona Highway Department and the Federal Government removed most of the Marana business district to widen Interstate 10. The high school, several of the shops, and the businesses relocated but were not centralized and ended up scattered throughout the area. Consequently there is no "Main Street" in north Marana and the business district in southern Marana has become the main shopping region.

Marana has a wide variety of neighborhoods for all its residents including newer home developments in Continental Ranch, the original portion of Marana that is still largely rural and agricultural, sumptuous golf course homes at Dove Mountain, and two age-restricted communities at Sunflower and Heritage Highlands. It is expected that the estimated population of 16,000 will double in the next 10 years and the diverse housing opportunities assure that we have just the right neighborhoods for prospective residents. Marana is establishing itself as a self-contained community where its residents can live and work.

Marana boasts many employment opportunities, including many that have been created with the expansion of the town through a history of well-planned annexations. The southern portion adjacent to Tucson is the main commercial business district with many large, "brand name" businesses and several small, locally owned businesses. The industrial park on Interstate 10 features several corporate businesses and the region's CBS affiliate. There are also many possibilities at the recently annexed Marana Northwest Regional Airport with improvements planned to make this a commercial center that will expand employment in our community even more.

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in and around town. There are several outstanding public and private golf courses in Marana and many world-famous attractions nearby, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, and Old Tucson Studios.

Education is always important to Marana residents. Approximately 12,000 students are served by 11 public elementary schools, two junior high schools and two high schools. Student achievement scores are consistently above county, state and national norms.

Marana is a community that has a small-town feel with all the advantages of a larger city. Our local officials work hard to make Marana the best place in the state to live, work, play and learn. Take a look and see everything Marana has to offer!